HeaDphone Discussions. (Audiophile and Gaming)

[naughty]

Sennheiser HD599 - which is not really an Audiophile headphone but it is a foot stomping, head banging bundle of fun ..... if you want to dissect and analyze the performance this one is not for you but if you just wanna have loads of fun while listening to your music - this one should do the trick

 

[PandaAttack1]

Sennheiser HD599 - which is not really an Audiophile headphone but it is a foot stomping, head banging bundle of fun ..... if you want to dissect and analyze the performance this one is not for you but if you just wanna have loads of fun while listening to your music - this one should do the trick

599 is amazing, I still have one kicking around somewhere!

The 598 was also one of the greatest entry level headies available. I wouldn't mind picking one up again.

 

[naughty]

599 is amazing, I still have one kicking around somewhere!

The 598 was also one of the greatest entry level headies available. I wouldn't mind picking one up again.

yep - the HD598 was much more loved and revered than the HD599 and many prefer them - either of them would add a solid offering to your headphone collection

But best to have different headphones for different purposes ie for example you would have a different set for the times when you are in an audiophile mood ie for example when you want to hear the mouse behind the violinist in the 4th row farting at floor level

 

[Criiies]

599 is amazing, I still have one kicking around somewhere!

The 598 was also one of the greatest entry level headies available. I wouldn't mind picking one up again.

Noctua x Sennheiser

 

[PandaAttack1]

yep - the HD598 was much more loved and revered than the HD599 and many prefer them - either of them would add a solid offering to your headphone collection

But best to have different headphones for different purposes ie for example you would have a different set for the times when you are in an audiophile mood ie for example when you want to hear the mouse behind the violinist in the 4th row farting at floor level

Since I've posted that picture, the yearn has been real...

 

[FrankNStine]

Waddup, my fellow audio nerds.

I'm looking to improve my sound setup for general gaming/music listening at my PC, but as budget friendly as I can. There's a Schiit Stack for sale, but it's the very first versions of the Modi and Magni.

Here's my questions to you more knowledgeable and experienced peeps:

1. Is this a good idea, considering they are the very first iterations of these products?
2. What would be a decent over-ear headphone to pair with them? (I mainly play FPS games so sound-stage is important, and I like my music to be a bit mid forward, comfortable but not overwhelming bass and just enough highs to make things sound really clear)

 

[goldfritter]

Waddup, my fellow audio nerds.

I'm looking to improve my sound setup for general gaming/music listening at my PC, but as budget friendly as I can. There's a Schiit Stack for sale, but it's the very first versions of the Modi and Magni.

Here's my questions to you more knowledgeable and experienced peeps:

1. Is this a good idea, considering they are the very first iterations of these products?

If you've never had a DAC/Amp before, you're unlikely to have biases that will make you not enjoy the stack, even though it's an older model. If you're talking about the one at R 1 200 then it's a good deal.

Also consider this, but it's double the price and probably won't give you double the enjoyment: https://carbonite.co.za/index.php?threads/ifi-zen-dac-rca-cables.476061/

2. What would be a decent over-ear headphone to pair with them? (I mainly play FPS games so sound-stage is important, and I like my music to be a bit mid forward, comfortable but not overwhelming bass and just enough highs to make things sound really clear)

Do you want open-back or closed? If you haven't tried opens yet, and you also don't have a lot of loud background noise where you game, and there also isn't another person in the room where you game that would be annoyed by the sound leaking from your headphones - then I would try open-backs, they really do open the soundstage for things like hearing footsteps in FPS games (in my experience).

What is your budget? Although when looking at open-backs then anything in the Sennheiser HD500-series will probably be great.

Also do you need a mic while gaming? That might affect your choices.

 

[dash09]

Waddup, my fellow audio nerds.

I'm looking to improve my sound setup for general gaming/music listening at my PC, but as budget friendly as I can. There's a Schiit Stack for sale, but it's the very first versions of the Modi and Magni.

Here's my questions to you more knowledgeable and experienced peeps:

1. Is this a good idea, considering they are the very first iterations of these products?
2. What would be a decent over-ear headphone to pair with them? (I mainly play FPS games so sound-stage is important, and I like my music to be a bit mid forward, comfortable but not overwhelming bass and just enough highs to make things sound really clear)

If the stack is in good condition and cheap then go for it, nothing bad about it being v1, just dont overpay.
Headphones will be subjective, everyone will nominate their favorite as a recommendation to you but its probably best for you to test out as many as you can. If you want 1 set for music and gaming then I'd say sennheiser has some good all rounders, have to state your budget though. Its not a bad idea to have separate sets

 

[FrankNStine]

@goldfritter @dash09

I've never had a DAC/amp before, so this will be my entry into the space. I've been wanting a decent combo so I have already prepared myself and got a USB mic, been using it for a while. I don't have a definite budget yet, I'll probably only be looking seriously in a month or 2 for a good all-rounder pair. I'll use my current IEM's in the mean time, but I want to do some proper research and be happy with the decision that I make. I'm very keen to try open back's, I doubt my wife will mind as she'll be in the other room 😂 Being budget conscious and watching some reviews, I was thinking about the HD58X or something along those lines but I'm very undecided and I don't know enough about the different cans that I could get. Also just thinking one all rounder for now, maybe I'll expand later down the line.

 

[goldfritter]

@goldfritter @dash09

I've never had a DAC/amp before, so this will be my entry into the space. I've been wanting a decent combo so I have already prepared myself and got a USB mic, been using it for a while. I don't have a definite budget yet, I'll probably only be looking seriously in a month or 2 for a good all-rounder pair. I'll use my current IEM's in the mean time, but I want to do some proper research and be happy with the decision that I make. I'm very keen to try open back's, I doubt my wife will mind as she'll be in the other room 😂 Being budget conscious and watching some reviews, I was thinking about the HD58X or something along those lines but I'm very undecided and I don't know enough about the different cans that I could get. Also just thinking one all rounder for now, maybe I'll expand later down the line.

The HD58X isn't sold in SA so you'd need to find it used, or import it.

I doubt you'd be disappointed with the HD 559 and it's only R 1 900ish: Sennheiser HD 559 Circumaural Open Back Black Stereo Wired Professional Headset - Wootware

But in the same price range as the HD58X you can get the HD 599 or the Beyerdynamic DT990, which are fancier than the 559 (only you can say if they sound better to you though).

 

[dash09]

@goldfritter @dash09

I've never had a DAC/amp before, so this will be my entry into the space. I've been wanting a decent combo so I have already prepared myself and got a USB mic, been using it for a while. I don't have a definite budget yet, I'll probably only be looking seriously in a month or 2 for a good all-rounder pair. I'll use my current IEM's in the mean time, but I want to do some proper research and be happy with the decision that I make. I'm very keen to try open back's, I doubt my wife will mind as she'll be in the other room 😂 Being budget conscious and watching some reviews, I was thinking about the HD58X or something along those lines but I'm very undecided and I don't know enough about the different cans that I could get. Also just thinking one all rounder for now, maybe I'll expand later down the line.

I have a 58x (had it since the early drops back when it was still massdrop) and it used to be paired with a v2 uber stack, perfect all rounder, its very easy to run as well being 150ohm. If you haven't used open back before though you really have to test it, I can have a full on conversation with someone while something is playing though the headphones, it lets in all the sound

 

[Chevez]

@goldfritter @dash09

I've never had a DAC/amp before, so this will be my entry into the space. I've been wanting a decent combo so I have already prepared myself and got a USB mic, been using it for a while. I don't have a definite budget yet, I'll probably only be looking seriously in a month or 2 for a good all-rounder pair. I'll use my current IEM's in the mean time, but I want to do some proper research and be happy with the decision that I make. I'm very keen to try open back's, I doubt my wife will mind as she'll be in the other room 😂 Being budget conscious and watching some reviews, I was thinking about the HD58X or something along those lines but I'm very undecided and I don't know enough about the different cans that I could get. Also just thinking one all rounder for now, maybe I'll expand later down the line.

I have the HD58X. You won't for a second be disappointed. The sound leakage really isn't much. Most PC case noise will drown it.

I'm running mine with a modmic. It does the job well.

That said, I doubt any of the other suggestions regarding the 500 series of Sennies will do you wrong. For me it was aesthetics driven. I loved the look of the HD58X. Budget allowed, look at the 600 series as well (there are some 2nd hand choices on Carb).

You haven't answered if you are going to need a mic? Please read up about ground loop issues when running a DAC without mic setup (sound from dac, mic in Mobo).

 

[FrankNStine]

I have the HD58X. You won't for a second be disappointed. The sound leakage really isn't much. Most PC case noise will drown it.

I'm running mine with a modmic. It does the job well.

That said, I doubt any of the other suggestions regarding the 500 series of Sennies will do you wrong. For me it was aesthetics driven. I loved the look of the HD58X. Budget allowed, look at the 600 series as well (there are some 2nd hand choices on Carb).

You haven't answered if you are going to need a mic? Please read up about ground loop issues when running a DAC without mic setup (sound from dac, mic in Mobo).

I already have a stand-alone USB mic.

The 600 series would probably be what I looked at if I save for the next couple months.

 

[Chevez]

I have a 58x (had it since the early drops back when it was still massdrop) and it used to be paired with a v2 uber stack, perfect all rounder, its very easy to run as well being 150ohm. If you haven't used open back before though you really have to test it, I can have a full on conversation with someone while something is playing though the headphones, it lets in all the sound

I'll definitely second this. That's my favourite part. I don't have to take them off when I need to talk.

 

[ThatGuyJD]

I have the HD58X. You won't for a second be disappointed. The sound leakage really isn't much. Most PC case noise will drown it.

I'm running mine with a modmic. It does the job well.

That said, I doubt any of the other suggestions regarding the 500 series of Sennies will do you wrong. For me it was aesthetics driven. I loved the look of the HD58X. Budget allowed, look at the 600 series as well (there are some 2nd hand choices on Carb).

You haven't answered if you are going to need a mic? Please read up about ground loop issues when running a DAC without mic setup (sound from dac, mic in Mobo).

He said USB mic. So not likely to ground loop.

 

[5hadow17]

I've never had a DAC/amp before, so this will be my entry into the space. I've been wanting a decent combo so I have already prepared myself and got a USB mic, been using it for a while. I don't have a definite budget yet, I'll probably only be looking seriously in a month or 2 for a good all-rounder pair. I'll use my current IEM's in the mean time, but I want to do some proper research and be happy with the decision that I make. I'm very keen to try open back's, I doubt my wife will mind as she'll be in the other room 😂 Being budget conscious and watching some reviews, I was thinking about the HD58X or something along those lines but I'm very undecided and I don't know enough about the different cans that I could get. Also just thinking one all rounder for now, maybe I'll expand later down the line.

Is your onboard audio noticeably bad? If I was trying to go as low budget as possible, I'd actually skip the amp and DAC if my onboard audio was decent.

HD58X is good is you want mid-forward. Soundstage isn't mind blowing, but decent enough for FPS. It can be run fine off decent onboard audio.

I'd also suggest investing some time playing around with EQ. APO + Peace is free

 

[goldfritter]

You haven't answered if you are going to need a mic? Please read up about ground loop issues when running a DAC without mic setup (sound from dac, mic in Mobo).

Lol. One day I must tell you guys about my ground loop solution.

 

[goldfritter]

decent onboard audio

No such thing.

/runs away

 

[Chevez]

He said USB mic. So not likely to ground loop.

Apologies. Your sister is here and keeping me busy. I missed that part.

Agreed with @ThatGuyJD. Apologies, not the place for silly banter. Will stick to topic.

 

[ThatGuyJD]

Lol. One day I must tell you guys about my ground loop solution.

Well it is a day. Why not do it now.

 

[FrankNStine]

Is your onboard audio noticeably bad? If I was trying to go as low budget as possible, I'd actually skip the amp and DAC if my onboard audio was decent.

HD58X is good is you want mid-forward. Soundstage isn't mind blowing, but decent enough for FPS. It can be run fine off decent onboard audio.

I'd also suggest investing some time playing around with EQ. APO + Peace is free

WRT EQ, I'm using VoiceMeter already and I've set up some different EQ's for music/gaming etc.

My on-board isn't bad, I just want to dive into the audiophile world. After investing in a decent DAC/Amp now, I can look into a lot more headphones that I can't currently run off my on-board amp alone.

 

[ThatGuyJD]

Apologies. Your sister is here and keeping me busy. I missed that part.

Ah she did say she was doing her charity run for dudes with mircopenis today.

Soz to the audio dudes, lets stick to that in future.

 

[Bearman]

True budget audiophiles will buy Apple Dongles (budget DAC/AMP). Google It.

/me Ducks so I don't get hit by people with IFI ZEN DAC 2's (which I also want, one day)

 

[goldfritter]

True budget audiophiles will buy Apple Dongles (budget DAC/AMP). Google It.

I can highly recommend these too btw. I use one at work. They also can help with ground loops, or rather with noisy mic input into onboard audio.

 

[ThatGuyJD]

True budget audiophiles will buy Apple Dongles (budget DAC/AMP). Google It.

/me Ducks so I don't get hit by people with IFI ZEN DAC 2's (which I also want, one day)

I have the VE odyssey hd dac also great but less available here.

 

[goldfritter]

Well it is a day. Why not do it now.

Want moeg.

Short version.

Headphone path: PC -> USB cable -> cheapo USB-to-optical converter -> optical cable -> FiiO D03K DAC* -> RCA cable -> CTH + SDAC (but bypassing the SDAC part) -> TRRS extender -> V-Moda BoomPro -> SHP9600.

*powered by an old USB charger plugged into the wall, not powered by a PC USB port.

Mic path: BoomPro's mic -> TRRS extender -> TRS extender -> pink mic jack in motherboard.

I used to have a mobo with optical out so I could skip the cheapo USB-to-optical converter.

And another solution that worked was to use the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter DAC connected to a USB C port on the PC, and then connect a male TRRS to 2 x female mic-and-headphone splitter to that, and then on the headphone side a 3.5mm to RCA adapter to go into the CTH (again skipping the SDAC part) and on the mic side the mic directly into the splitter via a TRS extender.

Connecting the SDAC or the D03K to the PC via USB reintroduces the ground loop.

So in short, you can either:
- Use optical somewhere in the chain to break the ground loop
- Use a single device to perform both the DAC for the headphones and the ADC for the mic - in the above example, the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, which does the job quite well.

Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

EDIT: obviously if you aren't using a headset with a single cable for mic + headphones, then this won't be an issue, and you won't need to jump through the hoops.

 

[Crouchinglee]

Quick question - Replace my earcups on the Game Zero Sennies or go something like this ?

 

[goldfritter]

Quick question - Replace my earcups on the Game Zero Sennies or go something like this ?

You should get the H6PRO but only because I have been very curious about their sound and I want someone to compare them to something neutralish like the Game Zero and tell me whether they're also neutralish, or bass-boosted for teh gam0rz. That is the only reason.

Also apparently the GSX300 isn't great. But, plus side, with it you won't have the ground loop issue I mentioned above.

 

[Chevez]

Quick question - Replace my earcups on the Game Zero Sennies or go something like this ?

Emotional or economic reason?

 

[dash09]

I already have a stand-alone USB mic.

The 600 series would probably be what I looked at if I save for the next couple months.

500 has a bit more low end than 600, I've found this better for games as explosions have a bit more thud in them and a v8 engine has more growl. Neither are bass heavy in any way though.
Depending on the type of music you listen to you may enjoy either of them